Ways To Celebrate Spring in WNC
Suzanne & Ricardo, owners of Wildcat Ridge Farm
Emily Chaplin
With warmer weather and some COVID-19 restrictions lifting in North Carolina, there are plenty of opportunities to get outside this spring in your own backyard to enjoy the fresh mountain air, fresh flowers and local food. Here are some top picks to keep you busy through the season.
Spring at Biltmore — Biltmore Blooms April 1 through May 27. Walk through the gardens of colorful flowers, explore the greenhouse, walk the trails and enjoy some wine-tastings. Visit Biltmore House's website for ticket information as well as a “bloom report.”
Women’s Yoga Retreat — Waynesville Yoga Center is hosting a Women’s Health & Wellness Yoga Retreat May 23-26 at Lake Junaluska. Spend three days lakeside while taking different workshops with experienced instructors. Visit WYC’s website to register now while spots are still available. And don’t worry, if you miss the May retreat there are also retreats planned for July and September.
Horseback riding — There are so many wonderful opportunities for horseback riding in Western North Carolina so take your pick. Cataloochee Ranch offers some amazing trail rides; Smokemont Riding Stables offers waterfall rides in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Panthercreek Outfitters offers different rides in the Fines Creek Area.
Explore a new Farmers Market — All of our communities have wonderful and diverse farmers markets. Here’s a complete list of them — get outside of your town and check out a new one this season.
Peony Festival — Wildcat Ridge Farm in Clyde is a sight to behold in May when all the peonies are in bloom. The farm is located at the bank on the Pigeon River and has the largest collection of peonies in the state. The farm is open to the public during the month of May, everyday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and it’s free!
Airing of the Quilts — This is such a beloved Appalachian tradition, you have to check it out. The annual Airing of the Quilts will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 17 (with an April 24 rain date) at the Appalachian Women’s Museum in Dillsboro. The event will be a drive-by only event this year due ot COVID.
River Arts District Second Saturday — On the Second Saturday of each month starting in April, Asheville’s River Arts District holds gallery walks with demonstrations, workshops, live music, wine tastings, delicious food, and more. Visit riverartsdistrict.com for more information.
